Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – 24–26 November 2025 - The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan (MoHMIT) conducted a three-day intensive training course on laboratory surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Held at the Center for Public Health and Nutrition in Ashgabat, the training aimed … [Read more...]
WHO CO in Turkmenistan hosted a workshop on zoonotic disease joint risk assessment
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 25–28 November 2025 - The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office (CO) in Turkmenistan conducted a workshop on Joint Risk Assessment (JRA) for zoonotic diseases within the One Health framework. Held at the Public Health and Nutrition Center the workshop focused on equipping national experts with practical skills to apply WHO’s standardized … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan launches “Immune Patrol”: WHO’s innovative educational health game for children
Ashgabat, November 26, 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Turkmenistan together with the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan (MoET) and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan (MoHMIT), presented "Immune Patrol," an innovative digital game platform for secondary school students. Representatives from the MoET, MoHMIT, the … [Read more...]
WHO and Turkmenistan discuss national policies on seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccination
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – November 24, 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Turkmenistan, together with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan (MoHMIT), held a national meeting focused on strengthening policies for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccination. The objectives of the meeting were to present the approved National … [Read more...]
WHO enhances national capacity on environment and health through the One Health approach in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan — From November 17 to 18, 2025, the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan welcomed a technical advisory mission from WHO/Europe (WHO Regional Office for Europe) aimed at advancing national efforts in environmental and health protection within the framework of the One Health approach. The mission was led by Dr. Sinaia Netanyahu, Programme … [Read more...]
WHO Strengthens National Capacity in Influenza and ARI Diagnostics in Turkmenistan
From 3 to 5 November 2025, the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan conducted a training course on influenza and acute respiratory infection (ARI) diagnostics using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method for laboratory specialists from virological laboratories across Turkmenistan. The training took place at the Center for Public Health and Nutrition, under the State … [Read more...]
WHO/Europe Mission Arrives in Turkmenistan to Support Validation of Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B and Syphilis
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan - 25 October 2025 – A consultative and technical mission from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) has concluded its work in Ashgabat. The mission, running from October 20-25, 2025, was focused on supporting Turkmenistan in the process of validating the elimination of vertical (mother-to-child) transmission of Hepatitis B … [Read more...]
WHO advances national capacity for chronic respiratory disease management in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, October 10–15, 2025 - From October 10 to 15, 2025, a technical mission of experts from the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO Europe) was conducted in Turkmenistan. Organized by the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan, the mission aimed to advance the prevention and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), with a particular focus on chronic obstructive … [Read more...]
Advancing mental health care in Turkmenistan: WHO leads strategic training initiative
Ashgabat, October 14–16, 2025 - The WHO CO in Turkmenistan hosted a comprehensive seminar on mental health at the United Nations House in Ashgabat. The seminar was led by Ms. Liliya Panteleeva, WHO/Europe expert on mental health as part of a broader initiative to strengthen mental health systems and services in the country. The seminar featured a series workshops focused on … [Read more...]
Strengthening integrated epidemiological surveillance of influenza and acute respiratory infections in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, October 7 - 11 2025 – WHO CO in Turkmenistan hosted a technical mission aimed at enhancing the country’s integrated epidemiological surveillance of influenza and acute respiratory infections (ARI). The event was conducted within the framework of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Partnership Contribution. The mission featured the visit of Dr. Fielding James … [Read more...]
WHO boosts TB laboratory capacity in Turkmenistan
From September 30 to October 3, 2025, the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan provided practical and methodological support to national tuberculosis specialists. The mission was led by Dr. Vladimir Antonenko, head of the Department of Global Partnerships and Development at the Institute of Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Gauting, Germany, a WHO supranational reference … [Read more...]
WHO hosts strategic roundtable on “Immune Patrol” rollout in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, October 1, 2025 – A roundtable convened at the UN Building in Ashgabat to advance the implementation of Immune Patrol, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) innovative digital learning tool designed to educate children about immunity, hygiene, and disease prevention. The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of … [Read more...]
Advancing One Health: Turkmenistan hosts third national intersectoral meeting
WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan convened the third meeting of the National Intersectoral Coordination Committee (ICC) on the implementation of the One Health approach in Turkmenistan. Held at the Center for Public Health and Nutrition of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, the meeting brought … [Read more...]
WHO and Turkmenistan strengthen collaboration to improve COPD and asthma care
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – June 27–29, 2025 – A technical advisory mission led by experts from the WHO European Regional Office was conducted in Turkmenistan, organized by the WHO Country Office. The mission aimed to support national efforts to enhance the prevention, diagnosis, and management of chronic respiratory diseases, with a particular focus on chronic obstructive … [Read more...]
Developing clinical guidelines for NCDs: WHO training for health experts in Turkmenistan
From July 2–4, 2025, WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan organized online training aimed at strengthening national capacity to develop evidence-based clinical guidelines for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The 3-day training engaged 15 representatives from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and the State Medical University named after M. Garryev. The … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan strengthens its influenza vaccination programme
Building pandemic response capacities through seasonal vaccination Strong national influenza vaccination programmes are the foundation for the vaccination component of the pandemic response. With support from the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework’s Partnership Contribution (PC), Turkmenistan is enhancing its national seasonal … [Read more...]
Strengthening zoonotic disease prevention. WHO concludes technical advisory mission to Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, May 30, 2025 – The WHO CO in Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan concluded a five-day technical advisory mission aimed at enhancing national capacities for the prevention, surveillance, and clinical management of zoonotic diseases. Conducted from May 26 to 30, 2025, the mission aimed at providing an … [Read more...]
Changes to Turkmenistan’s National Immunization Schedule: New Steps in Strengthening Public Health
Vaccination is one of the most effective tools in combating infectious diseases, particularly among children. Thanks to systematic efforts to maintain high immunization coverage (95% and above), Turkmenistan has significantly reduced the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, rubella, and others. Regular monitoring … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Day at the WHO Regional Office for Europe
Turkmenistan Day was held at the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe in Copenhagen (Kingdom of Denmark). The event, organized during the International Year of Peace and Trust, marked by the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, allowed us to present our country's achievements within the framework of the implementation … [Read more...]
WHO Strengthens Laboratory Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance in Turkmenistan
From April 21-26, 2025, the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan organized a comprehensive technical advisory mission led by WHO Europe expert Dr. Vlademir Vicente Cantarelli. This mission was a pivotal step towards enhancing national capacity in laboratory surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Turkmenistan. The mission featured a 6-day practical training course … [Read more...]
Workshop focused on the TB-RRIS information system held in Turkmenistan
On April 23, WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan held a workshop focused on the use of the TB-RRIS information system. The aim was to test the knowledge of TB specialists. This workshop is part of ongoing efforts to implement the TB-RRIS information system, following the recommendations from the WHO. The workshop was led by WHO/Europe experts, Dr. Ana Ciobanu and Mr. Andrei … [Read more...]
Round table with national working group on the Draft National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control in Turkmenistan (2026-2030)
April 16, 2025, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – In a significant step toward advancing tuberculosis (TB) control in Turkmenistan, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office organized a meeting with the National Working Group on TB and WHO/Europe expert to review the first draft of the National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control (2026-2030). The meeting was held at UN … [Read more...]
Achieving a TB-free Central Asia: from vision to reality
WHO/Europe, in partnership with its 5 Central Asian Member States and a range of stakeholders, today launched the TB-Free Central Asia Initiative (CAI) — to accelerate the elimination of tuberculosis (TB), including drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), across the subregion by 2030. Health ministers and high-level officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and … [Read more...]
WHO boosts virological surveillance and pandemic influenza preparedness in Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, March 25- April 04, 2025 – In an effort to strengthen virological surveillance of influenza and acute respiratory infections in Turkmenistan, the World Health Organization Country Office (WHO CO) facilitated a technical advisory mission from WHO/Europe to Turkmenistan. As part of the mission, a specialized 10-day training course on “Characteristics of isolation and … [Read more...]
WHO Advisory Mission Strengthens Turkmenistan’s Pandemic Preparedness
Global public health is consistently jeopardized by unpredictable and destructive power of respiratory virus pandemics, which can cause immense harm to health, society, and economies. To improve the national capacity for planning, preparedness, and response to potential respiratory pathogen pandemics in Turkmenistan, the World Health Organization Country Office (WHO CO) … [Read more...]
WHO and Turkmenistan Initiate Development of a new National Strategic Plan for TB Control 2026-2030
Ashgabat, February 25, 2025 – Amid the increasing global burden of tuberculosis (TB), which continues to pose a threat to a public health, Turkmenistan is taking decisive steps to solidify its progress in combating this disease. A technical advisory mission from the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe was welcomed in Turkmenistan on 24 February 2025. … [Read more...]
IAEA, WHO and Turkmenistan Partner to Enhance Nuclear Medicine and Cancer Care
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Turkmenistan are working together to improve the safe and effective use of nuclear medicine in health care. As part of this effort, a pre-imPACT mission is being conducted in Turkmenistan as a critical step in assessing and strengthening the country's cancer control capacity. The … [Read more...]
Progress in developing Turkmenistan’s health laboratory services discussed
On 31 January 2025, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan (MoHMIT) with the support from the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan organized a meeting to discuss the implementation progress of the national policy and operational planning for the development of health sector laboratory services. The meeting focused on reviewing the implementation of the … [Read more...]
The National Coordination Meeting on the project “Central Asia Pandemic Preparedness and Response through the One Health approach” was held in Ashgabat
In order to promote health, economic stability, social development, and environmental sustainability, the Central Asian countries are cooperating to enhance their capacity to prepare for and respond to pandemics and epidemics. The Central Asian countries are working together to implement the One Health approach in the field of pandemic prevention, preparedness and response … [Read more...]
Trump’s vision of Peace and Leadership – the reverse side of the coin
Tariq Saeedi If Trump’s concept of peace, elegantly elucidated in his inaugural speech, is the obverse side of the coin, his idea of leadership, as apparent from the nature of the Executive Orders signed on the first day of his presidency is the reverse side of the coin. This coin is clearly bi-metallic – its obverse and reverse sides are made from two different … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan strengthens TB control: National Laboratory awarded international certificates
Turkmenistan's National Reference Laboratory has officially been certified for all molecular and phenotypic methods used in the control of tuberculosis (TB), the WHO representative office in Turkmenistan reports. The laboratory has been awarded three certificates from the Munich-based Institute of Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine (IML). In particular, the National … [Read more...]
WHO enhances the national capacity on influenza virus sequencing
From December 2 to 11, 2024, a technical advisory mission of the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) took place in Turkmenistan. The mission led by Dr. Andrey Komissarov and Artem Fadeev, WHO/Europe consultants on influenza virus sequencing focused on enhancing the laboratory capacity for influenza virus sequencing in Turkmenistan. The main … [Read more...]
USAID and WHO Strengthen Tuberculosis Control in Turkmenistan
In partnership with the Government of Turkmenistan, USAID’s three-year project “Accelerating Efforts to End Tuberculosis (TB) and Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) in Turkmenistan”, implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO), has helped Turkmenistan achieve significant TB control milestones, including a notable reduction in TB incidence. The recent WTO global TB data … [Read more...]
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge nominated by Member States to serve as WHO Regional Director for Europe for a second 5-year term
Public health priorities for the coming half-decade will focus on critical areas including national health security, mental health, the climate crisis and gender-based violence Copenhagen, 30 October 2024 The Member States of the WHO European Region have nominated Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge to the office of WHO Regional Director for Europe for a second 5-year term, which … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan studies benefits of the UNECE-WHO/Europe Protocol on Water and Health with the launch of a new project
On 3 October UNECE and the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) concluded a two-day event in Ashgabat for Turkmen government representatives and academia to discuss the benefits and provisions of the UNECE-WHO/Europe Protocol on Water and Health to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. The event kicked off a … [Read more...]
End Stigma To End Aids – Once And For All
OP-ED by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe Central Asia Twenty-four years ago, Maria Godlevkskaya was in a coma in a hospital in Russia, her immune system having failed without treatment for her HIV. She had been diagnosed with the virus five years earlier. Fast forward to today, and not only is Maria leading a full and healthy life, she also hasn’t … [Read more...]
International Training Course on Tuberculosis Treatment Enhances Expertise for Turkmen Specialists
In a significant step toward combating tuberculosis (TB) and improving patient care, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently hosted a five-day international training course. The course, titled "Treatment of TB, RR-TB, and TB Infection in accordance with WHO recommendations and national guidelines," brought … [Read more...]
The first meeting on “Youth4Health” initiative took place in Ashgabat
Young people are often seen as active members of communities unafraid to challenge the status quo and raise their voices. To build inclusive and sustainable future for all, it is essential to hear the voice of young people in health-related decision-making processes. Youth4Health (Youth for Health) is a special initiative of Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the Regional Director of … [Read more...]
Economic growth and health go hand-in-hand: Central Asia International Forum in Bishkek spotlights health investments as a catalyst for regional transformation
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 26 June 2024 – Under the motto “Health is the best investment”, the first-ever Central Asia International Health Investment Forum is bringing together international, regional and national stakeholders to highlight the transformative potential of health investments for sustainable development across the 5 WHO Member States of Central Asia. Hosted under … [Read more...]
The multiplier effect of investing in health
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe Central Asia is a region with enviable potential. About half of its population of 80 million people is under the age of 30. It bridges the economic power blocs of Europe and Asia. This year GDP growth in these 5 countries is estimated to be 4.1%, well above the global average of 2.6%, and higher than every other part of … [Read more...]
WHO Turkmenistan: Interview with the WHO Regional Director organized in the framework of the Central Asia International Health Investment Forum
In the run-up to the Central Asia International Health Investment Forum in Kyrgyzstan, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, speaks about WHO’s cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan in the field of health, the importance of investment in health, the successes achieved and the joint work in accelerating progress towards achieving … [Read more...]
National Intersectoral Coordination Committee on the “One Health” approach established in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan takes bold actions for the implementation of thе "One Health" approach in the country, which aims to enhance the health of people, animals and ecosystems. Addressing complex health challenges and successful implementation of this approach requires coordinated collaboration across various sectors of the government. In this regard, on June 4, 2024, the first … [Read more...]
UNICEF Introduces WHO Handbook for Child and Adolescent Health Workers in Turkmenistan
UNICEF Turkmenistan, with support from international consultant Professor Olena Staretz, held an introductory training for health workers on the WHO Pocket Handbook "Primary health care for children and adolescents" from 28 to 30 May 2024. Developed by the European Bureau of the World Health Organization and published in 2023, the pocket handbook provides guidelines for … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan joins celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization
European Immunization Week (21-27 April 2024) launches a year-long commemoration of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), a global initiative launched in 1974 to expand the benefits of essential WHO-recommended vaccines to all. The EPI has become one of the biggest public health successes of the 20th and 21st century, saving up to 5 million lives per year. “For … [Read more...]
WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan Hosts a Workshop on sharing experience in strengthening and digitalizing health information system and a Training course on entering data into the WHO tool for mapping health data collection and reporting forms
Availability of quality and timely health information is at the core of responsive national health system and is essential for rapid and informed decision making. Recognizing the challenges associated with collecting and processing health information can support efforts to strengthen and modernize the health information system (HIS). Conducting situation analysis to understand … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan leads bicycle rally in Ashgabat
Coinciding with the World Health Day, Turkmenistan organized on 7 April 2024 a bicycle rally in Ashgabat and the provincial capitals of the country. It was a massive event, led by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The World Health Day 2024 is celebrated globally under the theme ‘My health, my right.’ Turkmenistan continues to strengthen and widen its … [Read more...]
Call for urgent agreement on international deal to prepare for and prevent future pandemics
A high-powered intervention by 23 former national Presidents, 22 former Prime Ministers, a former UN General Secretary and 3 Nobel Laureates is being made today to press for an urgent agreement from international negotiators on a Pandemic Accord, under the Constitution of the World Health Organizaion, to bolster the world’s collective preparedness and response to future … [Read more...]
“I fell down, but I stood up” – The story of volleyball coach Ibragim, Turkmenistan
Now a volleyball coach for people with disabilities, Ibragim embodies the spirit of overcoming adversity. His journey began with an unexpected turn when he lost his foot in a car accident while working at a train station. The accident plunged him into a series of physical and mental challenges, marked by the heavy burden of a 6 kg iron leg prosthesis that brought him pain and … [Read more...]
The ‘invisible’ patients during emergencies deserve our attention
By Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe We live in an age of perma-crisis. Here in the WHO European Region we have faced an unprecedented number of emergencies in recent years, including disease outbreaks and a pandemic, major escalations of conflict, extreme weather events, and natural or man-made disasters. In addition, the European Region faces an … [Read more...]
Statement – COVID-19 vaccines saved at least 1.4 million lives in the European Region
Statement by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe: Good morning, good afternoon. I’d like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year from everyone here at the WHO Regional Office for Europe. We certainly hope for a healthy and more peaceful 2024. And on that note, I’d like to begin with some positive news. A new study led by WHO/Europe has found … [Read more...]